Near South Planning Board is partnering with the City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), to provide hyper-local support to business owners and start-up entrepreneurs through the Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) program.

As a delegate agency of the City of Chicago, NSPB has direct access to key leaders at city hall and the police department and may connect you to appropriate individuals in the following City departments: Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP), Landmarks, Planning & Development, Zoning, and the 3rd, 4th, 11th, 25th and 42nd ward offices. NSPB is committed to helping your grow your business by providing you the tools to support your entrepreneurial journey!

COVID-19 Resource Center

The City of Chicago is committed to providing leadership and help throughout the evolving COVID-19 crisis. As this situation develops, we will continue to offer resources and support to people across the city. This website provides the latest information on a range of topics regarding COVID-19.

Visit their website.

Chicago BACP

Business Affairs/Consumer Protection

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) licenses, educates, regulates and empowers Chicago businesses to grow and succeed as well as, receives and processes consumer complaints. BACP provides bi-weekly and monthly informative sessions to help businesses act responsibly and create economic vitality and vibrant communities for the people in Chicago. BACP also educates small business and consumers to ensure the public is protected against fraudulent practices, and investigates for business compliance in areas such as: sales practices, fuel, natural gas, electricity, durable and non durable merchandise and services. Additionally, BACP enforces rules and regulations relating to liquor establishments, weights and measures, public chauffeurs, public passenger vehicles, ambulances, and transportation network providers.

Visit their website.

Accion: A Global Nonprofit

Accion has proven time and time again that financial services can be made available; that individual lives and the prosperity of communities can be significantly enhanced; and that this can be done at scale and sustainably. Our work helps people, small businesses, and communities grow and thrive. We challenge and engage the industry, its leaders, and its regulators to achieve a financially inclusive world.

Funds for small businesses.

Chicago Small Business Center

Small Business Center

The Chicago Small Business Center (SBC) is the business licensing and permitting division of the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the City’s “one-stop-shop” for business licensing, public way use permitting and other resources to start and grow your business.

Visit their website.

Chicago DPD

Planning and Development

As the principal planning agency for the City of Chicago, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) promotes the comprehensive growth and sustainability of the City and its neighborhoods. The department also oversees the City’s zoning and land use policies and, through its economic development and housing bureaus, employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, as well as a diverse and stable housing stock throughout the City.

Visit their website.

Chicago DSS

Streets and Sanitation

The Department of Streets and Sanitation provides the following services: garbage collection, recycling, street sweeping; snow removal, lot cleaning, and weed cutting; vehicle removal/towing and special events enforcement; graffiti removal; rodent control; and tree planting and trimming.

Visit their website.

Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois.

Our mission is to bring regional, national and international business and leisure visitors to Chicago for the economic benefit of the City, the community and our membership.

Visit their website.

20231213_NearSouthPlanningBoardRegion-map

The Near South Side is comprised of significant portions of the 3rd, 4th, 11th and 34th Wards, as well as part of the 42nd Ward. NSPB works closely with the Aldermen for all of these Wards on matters affecting both residents and businesses, including planning, development, parking, safety and more.

If you have a Ward-related issue, please contact the relevant Alderman below. If there’s a Ward-related issue we can help you with, please contact us.

34 Ward Ald Conway

Bill Conway, 34th (NEW)